Belvoir warns against a rented sector ‘knee jerk’

May 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Scotland’s private lettings agents have been warned against any “knee jerk” reaction as they wait for the outcome of the Scottish Parliament’s consultation on the private rented sector.

“Many agents will probably criticise the outcome as pure self defence against whatever new legislation and regulation they fear may be on the way,” says Dorian Gonsalves, CEO of Belvoir Lettings, which has 10 franchised outlets in Scotland.

“But that wouldn’t be constructive or positive – and it might not even be justified.”

The consultation period, which ended last summer, took a panoramic view of Scotland’s private rented sector in the wake of piecemeal implementation from the last Housing Act two years ago.

Before that, a 2009 review of landlord and tenant relationships had pointed up a lot of mutual satisfaction. But this review was challenged by campaigners and government ministers says Mike Campbell who owns Belvoir’s Falkirk office.

Now the new consultation has paved the way for fresh debates on issues such as landlord registration, dispute resolution and tenancy options.

“The piecemeal introduction of the previous Housing Act was unhelpful and we would welcome new legislation that pulls everything together in a strategic way. But it will not satisfy everybody,” says Mike.

“Any weaknesses, however, will probably arise from ‘policing’ problems. For, without enforcement, the bad agents who tarnish the reputation of the good ones will always survive.

“Good regulation separates rogue agents from the herd, recognises the difference, and forces them out. And the remaining good ones are encouraged to provide the valuable quality housing options in which we take great professional pride.

“But while ever the same tar brush treats us all the same the good agents will still abide by the rules and the bad ones will carry on as before.

“If whatever changes come from this consultation were to target the right people then we would embrace it and work with it – but our main concern lies in the need for effective policing and enforcing. At the moment the prevailing ‘light touch’ enforcement has not been adequate.”

Another concern is the lack of a representative national voice for lettings agents – although there are moves to create a new association of lettings agents.

“The Scottish lettings industry has been asleep at the wheel for a while,” says Mike, “and, as a result, we can’t properly influence the direction of any future legislation. But a national body for Scotland would give us a grass roots voice that we don’t have at the moment.

“In the meantime, a positive outcome from consultation recommendations could strengthen the foundations of Scotland’s private rented sector for a long time to come.”

ENDS

Belvoir Lettings now have more than 150 offices nationwide. To find your nearest Belvoir office, visit their website at www.belvoirlettings.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

·       Belvoir was founded in February 1995 by Mike and Stephanie Goddard. Its Central Office is in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

·       Mike was chairman of the bfa for three consecutive years and is currently Director of International Affairs. He also sits on the board of the Property Ombudsman.

·       Belvoir is recognised as one of the largest specialist lettings agency franchises in the UK, with 140+ franchises nationwide and aims to have 200 franchises in the next three years.

·       Belvoir was officially awarded the Best Lettings Agency Franchise – Gold Award at the 2012 Lettings Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times & The Times. Belvoir also won the Silver Award in 2011 and Gold in 2010.

·       Belvoir won Brand Builder of the Year at the bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards 2011 and Best Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Franchise Marketing Association (FMA) Awards 2011.

·       Belvoir is a founder member of the SAFEagent Kitemark scheme, which is fully supported by NALS. SAFEagent promotes client money protection (CMP) and provides consumers with a clear message on those agents they should do business with.

·       Belvoir successfully listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange on 21st February, 2012.  

For further information, or to request an interview with a Belvoir Lettings expert, please contact Andrea McHugh at Headlines Journalism, tel: 01476 567438,

07940 930 331 or email: andrea@headlinesjournalism.co.uk